Nathaniel Hackett Fired as Broncos HC After 51-14 Loss to Rams, 4-11 Record
Dec 26, 2022
Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Denver, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday amid a disastrous first season with the team.
We have parted ways with Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, senior assistant coach Jerry Rosburg, who was hired to help with clock-management strategy, has been named interim coach. Troy Renck of Denver 7 reported defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero declined the interim job, opting to remain in his current role instead.
Denver fell to 4-11 on the season following Sunday's calamitous 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
From NFL Now: #Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired before his first season ended for a lot of reasons. Losing control of the team on Sunday was a major one. pic.twitter.com/JtXLjCcMOr
Hackett joined the Broncos after spending the past three seasons as offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. There were high expectations for the organization after the team acquired nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Even with the upgrade at quarterback, the offense has been a disaster this season while ranking dead last in the NFL with 15.5 points scored per game.
The defense has done its job, holding opponents to fewer than 20 points 10 times this season. However, the offensive limitations have kept the team mired in mediocrity.
Beyond the overall struggles, Hackett has been heavily criticized for his decision-making and game management, forcing the head coach to hire a senior assistant to help with game management earlier in the year.
Hackett notably called for a 64-yard field goal attempt instead of going for it on fourth down during a Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The mistakes became more apparent as the Broncos lost three games in overtime.
General manager George Paton offered Hackett support after the team fell to 2-5 in Week 7.
"The scrutiny he's faced is unprecedented," Paton said. "We've had four primetime games so he's had to learn in front of the entire world."
The failure to turn things around led to the end of his tenure in Denver, forcing the organization to make a quick change at head coach.
The Broncos will now look for their fifth coach in nine seasons, trying to find someone who can get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
An elite defense plus young offensive skill players could make this an enticing location for available coaches, although potential uncertainty at quarterback could create major question marks.
Wilson signed a five-year, $243 million extension last offseason that should keep him under team control for at least the next few seasons. However, despite throwing for over 3,000 yards, Wilson has posted just 12 touchdown passes (tied for 25th in the NFL) to nine interceptions and his passer rating of 82.6 is the worst of his career and ranks 29th in the league.
Russell Wilson Ripped by NFL Twitter in Broncos' Blowout Loss to Baker Mayfield, Rams
Dec 26, 2022
Los Angeles Rams' Terrell Lewis sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson during the first half of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.(AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
A disastrous Denver Broncos season reached a new low Sunday in a 51-14 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Both teams entered the game with matching 4-10 records after entering the 2022 campaign with great expectations and falling well short of them.
However, the defending champion Rams once again looked like Super Bowl contenders for a day as they jumped out to a 17-0 lead after 10 minutes and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Broncos categorically played their worst football of the year. Quarterback Russell Wilson's struggles continued with interceptions on each of Denver's first two drives thanks to Rams cornerback Cobie Bryant and linebacker Bobby Wagner.
L.A. played complementary football and scored touchdowns in response to each pick with scores via Tyler Higbee and Cam Akers.
Wilson ended the half by completing just 6 of 13 passes for 90 yards and two interceptions, and the Rams tacked on two more scores for a 31-3 edge at halftime.
The second half wasn't much better, with Wilson tossing his third pick on the Broncos' first drive after halftime courtesy of cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Wilson threw a garbage-time touchdown to tight end Greg Dulcich in the fourth quarter and finished the afternoon by completing 15 of 27 passes for 214 yards, one score and three picks.
Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter, and it somehow got even worse for Denver after Broncos backup Brett Rypien tossed a pick-six to Bryant.
The Broncos' defense, which entered the week allowing the third-fewest points per game, showed no signs of life either. Running back Cam Akers amassed 147 total yards and three touchdowns, and tight end Tyler Higbee added nine receptions, 94 yards and two scores. Quarterback Baker Mayfield cruised to a 24-of-28 day for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
Ultimately, Wilson's season-worst performance stood out in a series of discouraging efforts for a team that made a significant long-term investment in him.
Denver traded its first- and second-round picks in 2022 and 2023, a 2022 fifth-rounder and three players (quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris) to the Seattle Seahawks for Wilson and a 2022 fourth-rounder.
The Broncos then inked Wilson to a five-year, $245 million extension ($165 million guaranteed), including $124 million at signing.
However, the offense has been stagnant all year. They entered Week 16 scoring a league-worst 15.6 points per game. Wilson entered 27th out of 33 NFL qualifiers in quarterback rating and 28th in QBR, per Pro Football Reference. He has just 12 touchdown passes in 13 games.
It's a perplexing fall for the 34-year-old, a former superstar who has nine Pro Bowls on his resume.
The Broncos had been playing out the string of a lost season well before Sunday, but a terrible outing against a Rams team missing superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald, quarterback Matt Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp somehow led to Denver reaching its new 2022 nadir.
The Rams are missing nine starters on both sides of the ball. Today they beat the Broncos 51-14.
Russell Wilson is playing like Zach Wilson. Everytime I think it can't get worse this season, these Broncos say, "Hold My Drink." #Denver7#Broncoshttps://t.co/XRFqW9yAnS
Denver will now visit Patrick Mahomes and the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Ronnie Hillman Dies of Cancer at Age 31; RB Won Super Bowl 50 with Broncos
Dec 22, 2022
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 01: Ronnie Hillman #23 of the Denber Broncos runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 29-10. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman died Wednesday at the age of 31, his family announced in an Instagram post.
The family of former Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman announced in an Instagram post to Hillman’s account that the 31-year-old passed away Wednesday after battling a rare form of cancer. Hillman was a member of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 championship team. Terribly sad news. pic.twitter.com/e78BvwllXd
Hillman was diagnosed with Renal Medullary Carcinoma in August, a rare form of cancer.
The 2012 third-round draft pick spent four years with the Broncos, although he is best known for his breakout 2015 season when he led the team with 863 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He helped the squad win Super Bowl 50 at the end of that season, which remains the franchise's most recent playoff game.
Hillman spent the following year with the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers but couldn't replicate his success and was out of the NFL by 2017.
In five NFL seasons, the running back totaled 1,976 rushing yards, 524 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Long Beach, California, native was also a standout for San Diego State, totaling 3,243 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns in just two seasons. His 1,711 rushing yards in 2011 ranked third in the country.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Ronnie's family," Aztecs coach Brady Hoke said in a statement, per Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Although I only got to coach him one season (2010), I'll remember him as a great teammate and hard worker. Ronnie always came to practice with a smile on this face and his passion for the game was contagious. He'll always be an Aztec for Life."
Russell Wilson, Tee Higgins, NFL Injury Statuses and Fantasy Impact for Week 15
Dec 16, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrampes out of the pocket in the first quarter during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Russell Wilson will not be on the field for the Denver Broncos in Week 15.
Wilson was officially listed as out on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Broncos ruled out Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game.
Wilson has been in concussion protocol all week after he suffered the head injury in Week 14.
While Wilson will not be on the field, Tee Higgins is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday.
Higgins was at the center of a controversial circumstance last week, as he played a single snap before leaving the field.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver practiced on Friday in what could be viewed as a positive development ahead of Sunday.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and WR Tyler Boyd (finger) both practiced in full today and are listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Bucs.
Below is a look at updates on the other significant fantasy football stars dealing with injuries ahead of Week 15.
Russell Wilson, QB, DEN: out (concussion)
Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: questionable (hamstring)
Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN: questionable (finger)
Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE: returned to practice Friday (concussion), per NESN's Zack Cox
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE: returned to practice Friday, per Cox
Damien Harris, RB, NE: limited in practice (thigh), per NFL.com.
Marquise Brown, WR, ARI: questionable (illness)
Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT: not listed on injury report (foot)
Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT: not listed on injury report (hip)
David Montgomery, RB, CHI: not listed on injury report (Illness)
Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU: out (ankle)
Jeff Wilson, RB, MIA: questionable (hip)
Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT: doubtful (concussion)
DJ Moore, WR, CAR: questionable (ankle)
Chase Claypool, WR, CHI: out (knee)
Russell Wilson Practices Friday
Russell Wilson will not play on Sunday.
He will be replaced by Brett Rypien for the clash with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rypien threw a touchdown pass in relief of Wilson, but he only had 16 yards and completed four of his eight pass attempts in Week 14.
Rypien had 225 passing yards and no touchdown passes in his lone start this season in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Jeudy and Greg Dulcich are most affected by Wilson's absence. Courtland Sutton is out for Sunday. Running back Latavius Murray carries a bit more fantasy value.
Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder and Andy Dalton are among the potential waiver-wire candidates to add at quarterback.
Tee Higgins Listed as Questionable
Tee Higgins is officially listed as questionable for the Cincinnati Bengals' matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last week's game against the Cleveland Browns.
He did practice on Friday, as well as teammate and fellow wide receiver Tyler Boyd, which is a positive sign for his hopes to play on Sunday.
Higgins played one snap last week and then did not feature in the AFC North to the ire of fantasy football players.
There may be some lost trust between fantasy players and the Bengals regarding Higgins' status for Week 15.
Higgins produced back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 11 and 12 and scored three times in five weeks leading up to Week 14.
Higgins could play a large role in the Cincinnati offense, as usual, if he does see the field against Tampa Bay.
If he can't play, Michael Gallup, Elijah Moore and Mack Hollins are among the players to pick up off the waiver wire.
Russell Wilson Out for Broncos vs. Cardinals Despite Clearing Concussion Protocol
Dec 16, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) rushes for a 19-yard gain and first down in the second quarter during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson will miss Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.
While Wilson cleared the concussion protocol, head coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters, "As an organization, we've decided to give him another week."
The 34-year-old suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which marked the Broncos' fifth straight defeat and ninth in 10 games.
The 2022 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Wilson, who came to Denver in March with plans of turning the Broncos into Super Bowl contenders. Instead, he has looked nothing like the Super Bowl winner and nine-time Pro Bowler who built a Hall of Fame résumé with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson has thrown for 2,805 yards and 11 touchdowns against six interceptions, putting up numbers that compare unfavorably to the Broncos' starter last season, Teddy Bridgewater.
Since Denver gave up one first- and one second-round pick in each of 2022 and 2023 among other assets to acquire the Wisconsin product, it's one of the most shocking failures in recent NFL history.
"I've got to find ways to make more plays for us,'' Wilson told reporters in November. "More touchdowns. It's something you continue to work toward every day. ... I've been down before. It doesn't mean we can't come out on the other end of it all."
The Broncos will turn to Brett Rypien in Wilson's absence. The 26-year-old started Denver's Week 7 game against the New York Jets, throwing for 225 yards with an interception in a 16-9 loss.
Broncos' Jerry Jeudy Reportedly Fined $23,030 for Making Contact with Ref vs. Chiefs
Dec 16, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 02: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on during an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has reportedly incurred a sizable fine for his actions during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that Jeudy has been fined $23,030 for making contact with an official:
League source: NFL fined Broncos’ WR Jerry Jeudy $23,030 for making contact with an official during Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/8sKZO28nb0
Although he wasn't penalized or ejected, Jeudy broke the rules on multiple fronts by removing his helmet on the field of play and bumping into an official while shouting at him.
He enjoyed his best game of the season with 73 yards and three touchdowns on eight receptions, but the Broncos' comeback attempt fell short as they lost 34-28 to the Chiefs.
It has been a frustrating season for the Broncos, who are 3-10 and out of the playoff race despite being viewed as postseason contenders entering the 2022 campaign.
Denver acquired likely future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks, but the deal has backfired, as Wilson has struggled with 2,805 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games.
The Broncos are also last in the NFL in scoring at 14.9 points per game, which few would have predicted.
Wilson's arrival was supposed to help take Jeudy to the next level, but even with last week's effort, he has just 42 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games.
Jeudy was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama. While the expectation was that he would establish himself as a No. 1 wideout and Pro Bowler, that hasn't happened.
His rookie season of 52 receptions for 856 yards and three touchdowns remains his best overall production.
To make matters worse for Jeudy and the Broncos, the Seahawks own their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, so losing has been of no benefit to them.
Denver will attempt to build some positive vibes ahead of the 2023 season when it hosts the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Broncos Announce Plan for $100M-Plus Renovations for Empower Field at Mile High
Dec 14, 2022
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos avoids the rush against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos announced plans to spend more than $100 million renovating Empower Field at Mile High ahead of the 2023 season.
With a record $100M in upgrades, a new & improved @EmpowerField coming 🔜
“This demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans."
"This significant investment in Empower Field at Mile High — the largest in the stadium's history — demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans," president Damani Leech said. "As we look toward the future with the long-term plans for our stadium, we are equally focused on the present to ensure Empower Field at Mile High remains a premier sports and entertainment venue.
"We are excited to announce these upgrades to Empower Field at Mile High and are grateful for the support of our ownership group, the Metropolitan Football Stadium District and the National Football League."
The most noticeable improvement will be a massively expanded scoreboard. The Broncos will install a 72-by-225-foot scoreboard, which will rank as the fourth largest in the NFL, at their south end zone. The new board is a 31-foot expansion over its predecessor.
In addition, the team will be making improvements to its video board, two other in-bowl videoboards and the ribbon board.
Suites, concessions and the Broncos team store will also be receiving significant upgrades as part of the revamp.
Report: Broncos' Jerry Jeudy Not Expected to Be Suspended for Bumping Ref vs. Chiefs
Dec 12, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) celebrates after catching a pass for a secoind quartert touchdown during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is reportedly expected to receive a "big" fine but is unlikely to be suspended for bumping into an official during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the league could change its mind about a suspension, but it is not under consideration at this time. Jeudy was not flagged or ejected despite removing his helmet, screaming and bumping into an official in the second quarter.
Florio noted people within the NFL were "stunned" Jeudy did not face punishment. In October, Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez was ejected for merely bumping into an official during a fracas.
Jeudy's actions were far more objectionable, as he was not engaged in any altercation with an opposing player and actively sought out the official to express his dismay.
"On that certain play, I got held, so I was just frustrated," Jeudy told reporters. "We didn't have things going, so I was just out there playing with frustration and wanted to make a play for my team. I've got to know how to control my anger and go on from there."
The third-year wideout would move on to have the most productive game of his NFL career, catching eight passes for 73 yards and three touchdowns.
It's very possible Jeudy won't be able to keep the momentum going next week against the Arizona Cardinals if the NFL decides it wants to set an example. That said, for now, it appears he's escaped major punishment.
Russell Wilson Ruled Out for Broncos vs. Chiefs After Suffering Concussion
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 17: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos participates in warmups prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 17, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest against the Kansas City Chiefs after suffering a concussion early in the fourth quarter.
Wilson had completed 23 of 36 passes for 247 yards, three touchdowns and one interception prior to exiting. He also had 57 rushing yards on four carries.
Brett Rypien took over for Wilson under center.
In his first season with the Broncos after coming over from the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster trade, Wilson has thrown for 2,558 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions through 11 appearances.
Expectations for Wilson and the Broncos were huge in 2022, but the veteran quarterback has struggled individually, and the Broncos have struggled as a team, playing to a 3-9 record thus far.
Durability has also been a bit of an issue for the 34-year-old signal-caller, as he missed one game with a hamstring injury.
Wilson was once one of the NFL's true iron men, playing in every game in each of his first nine NFL seasons with the Seahawks. It wasn't until last season that he landed on the shelf, sitting out three contests because of a broken finger.
During his 10-year run in Seattle, Wilson established himself as a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, reaching two Super Bowls and winning one of them.
The Broncos hoped he would be able to unlock the potential of offensive weapons such as wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, running back Javonte Williams and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, but that hasn't necessarily been the case.
Injuries have undoubtedly played a role, as both Williams and left tackle Garett Bolles were lost for the season, while Wilson has seemingly been at less than 100 percent for much of the year.
If Wilson is forced to miss additional time because of the concussion, backup Brett Rypien is in line to step up and start in his place.
Rypien is a journeyman of sorts who has two career NFL starts to his credit, including earlier this season in a 16-9 loss to the New York Jets when Wilson was out.
